Skiing in Arizona surprises most people. Snowbowl sits in the San Francisco Peaks above Flagstaff with around 660 centimetres of snow in an average year and 700 metres of vertical.

The gondola climbs to 3505 metres, the highest lift served point in the state. From there you look out over old cinder cones and pine covered ridges to the red rocks of Sedona, and on a clear day as far as the Grand Canyon.

The resort claims the largest beginner terrain in the southwest, and children of twelve and under ski free on the Power Kids Pass. Basecamp at the foot has both hotel rooms and cabins.